Recent observations of Plains-wanderers Pedionomus torquatus at Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station, New South Wales

Abstract

Plains-wanderers Pedionomus torquatus are Critically Endangered grassland birds that are rarely observed in arid New South Wales (NSW). In autumn 2022, however, this species was twice observed at Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station in the north-west of the state. These observations occurred following significant summer rains in habitat dominated by bare ground, low Sclerolaena species and sparse Curly Mitchell Grass Astrebla lappacea tussocks. Since the late 1980s, there have been only four other records from the NSW arid zone, all of which have occurred since spring 2020.